Tri An Lake Hemibagrus - A Delicious Dish Not To Be Missed At Nomia Garden Retreats
- GARDEN NOMIA
- Oct 3
- 5 min read
Cuisine is not only about enjoying delicious dishes, but also a journey to discover the soul of a land. Each specialty ingredient contains within itself a story about the soil, the climate, and the lives of the people there. And when mentioning Tri An Lake - the emerald green silk strip of the Southeast region, there is a name that is always mentioned by culinary enthusiasts with special respect: hemibagrus.
This is not just a fish. Tri An Lake's catfish is a delicacy, a treasure bestowed by nature. It is the pride of local people and a "muse" for talented chefs. The journey of a catfish, from wriggling in the clear blue water of the lake to becoming a delicate dish on the banquet table, is a poetic story about the harmony between nature and culinary art. Let's go deeper into that journey with Nomia Garden Retreats to understand why this fish is so fascinating.
Tri An Lake - "Home" of Premium Catfish
What makes Tri An Lake's catfish famous? The answer lies in its unique habitat. Tri An Lake is not a stagnant pond. It is a large artificial lake with the Dong Nai River as its source. From there, Tri An Lake creates an extremely rich and clean freshwater ecosystem.
The water is always circulating, carrying abundant alluvium and natural food. Catfish living in this environment are free to swim in a large space, their main food source is very diverse, including shrimp, small fish and plankton. It is this living condition close to the wild nature that creates the premium qualities of the fish meat:
Firm and firm meat: Not as loose as industrially farmed fish.
Natural sweetness: The fish meat is rich, has a delicate sweetness without needing much seasoning.
Low fat and no fishy smell: Unlike many other types of catfish, Tri An lake catfish has white meat, low fat and especially does not have a muddy smell, bringing an elegant culinary experience.
What’s more, the catfish that make it to Nomia Garden Retreats’ kitchens are also closely linked to the lives of local fishermen. We work with skilled fishermen who know the waters and adhere to sustainable fishing methods, ensuring that each catch we receive is not only the freshest, but also shows respect for the lake’s ecosystem.
Catfish - "Muse" of Dong Nai Cuisine
With such excellent meat quality, catfish becomes a wonderful ingredient that can be transformed into countless attractive dishes, from the most rustic, simple dishes to sophisticated culinary creations.
Simple But Rich: Grilled Catfish with Salt and Chili
This is probably the way of cooking that best retains the original flavor of catfish. The fresh, thick pieces of fish are marinated simply with salt and spicy green chili. Under the heat of the charcoal, the fish skin gradually turns golden brown, crackles and gives off a captivating aroma. The skin is crispy, the meat inside remains moist, white and sweet. Wrapping a piece of grilled fish in wild vegetable leaves, dipping it in a little salt, pepper and lemon, diners will fully feel the delicious taste of Dong Nai land and sky - a rustic, genuine flavor but has the power to evoke strong memories.
Delicate and Elegant: Catfish Hotpot with Sour Bamboo Shoots
If grilled dishes are a powerful rock, then catfish hotpot with sour bamboo shoots is a delicate symphony of flavors. The hotpot is steaming, with broth simmered from fish bones, has a natural sweet taste, mixed with the mild sourness of wild bamboo shoots and the aroma of coriander and dill. The thinly sliced, clear white catfish slices, just need to be dipped in the boiling hotpot to be cooked, keeping the perfect chewiness and sweetness. Enjoying catfish hotpot is not just eating, but a cozy, family experience, where everyone shares stories together over a hot pot, full of rustic love.
Unexpected Creation: Nomia Style Catfish Cake
Inspired by Hanoi’s famous La Vong fish cake, Nomia chefs have created a unique version, imbued with the garden. Catfish is filleted, marinated with galangal, fermented rice and other herbs picked directly from the resort’s garden. Instead of being deep-fried, the fish cake is pan-fried in a cast iron pan with a little fish fat to retain its softness and natural sweetness. The dish is served on a small tray, accompanied by fresh vermicelli, roasted peanuts, herbs and shrimp paste mixed according to a special recipe. This is the perfect combination of tradition and modernity, a signature dish that you will hardly find anywhere else.
The "From Lake to Table" Philosophy at Nomia Garden Retreats
At Nomia, we don't just cook a dish, we tell a story. The story of Tri An Lake's catfish is expressed through a clear culinary philosophy: honoring local ingredients and elevating the experience.
Careful Selection: We pride ourselves on our close working relationship with local fishermen. Every morning or when the local fishermen return from fishing, the freshest catfish, just pulled from the net, are carefully selected and transported directly to Nomia's kitchen, ensuring freshness and quality.
The Art of Cooking That Honors the Ingredients: Our talented team of chefs understand that, with a premium ingredient like catfish, the sophistication lies in honoring its natural flavor. Every cooking method and accompanying spices are calculated to highlight the sweetness and firmness of the fish meat, instead of overwhelming it.
Dining Experience in a Peaceful Space: Enjoying a delicious dish is not just about the taste. At Nomia, you will dine in a luxurious, cozy restaurant space, with a panoramic view of the lush green garden and poetic lake. The attentive service, quiet space and natural beauty will be the perfect spices, making your catfish culinary experience truly classy and memorable.
Perfect Suggestion: Combine a Relaxing Holiday with a Culinary Discovery
Let Nomia create for you a perfect weekend getaway where your soul is healed and your taste buds are awakened:
Day 1: Arrive at Nomia, check in to your private bungalow and spend the afternoon strolling in the garden, taking a dip in the pool or simply reading a book on the porch. In the evening, enjoy a romantic dinner with light dishes.
Day 2: After a relaxing morning of yoga or meditation, get ready for a culinary journey. Your lunch or dinner will be a "catfish feast", where you can enjoy special dishes made from the delicacies of Tri An Lake.
Catfish is not just a dish, it is the quintessence of Tri An Lake, a part of the soul of Dong Nai. It carries within it the sweetness of the water, the purity of nature and the dedication of the fishermen.
Let Nomia Garden Retreats take you on an emotional taste journey, where you will not only enjoy delicious food, but also fully experience the story behind this "delicious soft drink".
